Amazon announced a multiyear, multibillion-dollar agreement with Corning to supply optical fiber, cable, and connectivity solutions for Amazon’s expanding U.S. data center infrastructure. The partnership is expected to create 1,000 highly skilled manufacturing jobs across Corning’s facilities in North Carolina and support hundreds of additional construction jobs tied to facility expansions.
The agreement also includes the expansion of Corning’s Fiber Optic Technician Training Program with Catawba Valley Community College. The initiative is designed to prepare students for careers in fiber optic manufacturing and related technical fields, helping to strengthen the domestic talent pipeline and support the growth of the U.S. manufacturing base.
The investment builds on Amazon’s broader commitment to North Carolina, including its previously announced $10 billion investment to expand cloud computing infrastructure in the state. Since 2010, Amazon has invested more than $20 billion in North Carolina and created over 26,000 jobs spanning logistics, cloud infrastructure, and renewable energy. Through training and upskilling programs, the company has also provided practical education to nearly 7,000 North Carolinians.
Corning, which has spent 175 years developing advanced glass and fiber optic technologies, said the agreement will enable it to expand production capabilities while strengthening the resiliency of the U.S. supply chain. The partnership is intended to support the infrastructure that powers critical services, including healthcare, emergency response, streaming entertainment, and artificial intelligence applications.
KEY QUOTES:
“Amazon’s investments in North Carolina have created more than 26,000 jobs across the state. This multibillion-dollar agreement with Corning continues that commitment, channeling investment into American manufacturing and creating 1,000 new jobs at their facilities near our data centers. We’re also partnering to train North Carolinians for highly skilled roles in fiber optics and fusion splicing. These long-term investments create long-term careers and real opportunity in the communities where we operate.”
Matt Garman, CEO, AWS
“Every day, North Carolina is proving that American manufacturing and cutting-edge technology go hand in hand. This multibillion-dollar agreement, between Amazon and Corning, will create 1,000 family-sustaining jobs for hardworking North Carolinians while also strengthening the critical infrastructure of the U.S. supply chain. This partnership further proves that North Carolina is the number one state in the country for American businesses to invest, build, and grow. As a leading voice in the Senate for workforce development and American manufacturing, I am proud that we are continuing to capitalize on that momentum in North Carolina.”
Ted Budd, U.S. Senator
“This agreement with Amazon represents a significant milestone for Corning and for American manufacturing. For 175 years, Corning has pioneered the technologies that connect people and transform industries. Amazon’s investment will help us expand production, create 1,000 new advanced manufacturing jobs at our facilities, and lead the way toward building a resilient U.S. manufacturing base.”
Wendell Weeks, Chairman, CEO, and President, Corning
